Product file : Marine dispersants

MARINE DISPERSANTS

 

 

Marine dispersants have been used for more than 35 years to combat pollution of the seas from accidental hydrocarbon spills. They are highly efficient, non-toxic and easy to use.

They are used as part of an emergency action plan established by authorities such as the Ministry of the Environment, the Navy, Port authorities etc...

 

What is a marine dispersant ?

 

Spreading of the dispersant by ship.

Marine dispersants are a mixture of solvants and surfactants. The latter reduce the surface tension between the water and the hydrocarbon.

Through the agitation of the sea the dispersant transforms the hydrocarbon layer into a series of fine droplets, which accelerates its natural biodegradation.


Why use a dispersant ?

Use of a dispersant helps to :

  • stop the hydrocarbon pollution reaching the coast
  • speed up the natural biodegradation of the spill
  • preserve the maritime fauna and flora
  • reduce the environmental and economic impact of the spill

Finasol OSRŪ : Our range of marine dispersants

Total has developed a range of high performance, ecological dispersants. The products in the Finasol OSR range are amongst the best dispersants currently available on the market. They are approved and used all over the world.

  • Finasol OSR 61 : The new "low ecotox" dispersant
  • Finasol OSR 52 : The only marine dispersant in the world to be approved by the EPA(USA), the MAFF(UK) and the CEDRE (France).